Fire fighting trainer having foam detector

ABSTRACT

A fire fighting trainer for use in training fire fighters is provided. The fire fighting trainer includes a structure having one or more chambers. Each chamber contains real or simulated items, which are chosen from a group of items, such as furniture and fixtures and equipment. The trainer includes fire and smoke generating apparatus and sensors to determine what extinguishing agent is being utilized to extinguish the fire which are connected to the control panel. The sensor for foam includes a sonic beam sensing device. The fire and smoke apparatus and the sensors are connected to an apparatus for controlling the fire and smoke and recording the actions of the fire fighters utilizing the trainer.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 625,210, filed 12/10/90 nowabandoned, which was a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.387,348, filed 8/9/89, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 4,983,270 on 1/8/91,which in turn was a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 238,453, filed8/30/88, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 4,861,270 on 8/29/89.

The invention relates to a fire fighting trainer, and in particular theinvention relates to a fire fighting trainer having single- andmulti-element, flame generation burner units, and having a multi-sensorunit, a smoke generator and a control and recording apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art fire fighting trainer is described in U.S. Pat. No.4,526,548, issued Jul. 2, 1985. Related patents include U.S. Pat. Nos.3,071,872, issued Jan. 8, 1963; 3,156,908, issued Nov. 10, 1964;3,451,147, issued Jun. 24, 1969; 3,675,342, issued Jul. 11, 1972;3,675,343, issued Jul. 11, 1972, and 4,001,949, issued Jan. 11, 1977 and4,303,396 issued Dec. 1, 1981.

Other related patents include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,526,548, issued Jul. 2,1985; 4,303,396, issued Dec. 1, 1981; 3,071,872, issued Jan. 1983;3,156,908, issued Nov. 1964; 3,451,147, issued Jun. 1969; 3,675,342,issued Jul. 1972; 3,675,343, issued Jul. 1972; 4,001,949, issued Jan.1977; 4,299,579, issued Nov. 10, 1981; and 4,303,397, issued Dec. 1,1981.

The prior art fire fighting trainer includes a plurality of chambershaving respective contents including items chosen from a group of itemsincluding furniture and fixtures and equipment, a smoke generatingsystem having a plurality of outlets disposed in the respectivechambers, and a flame generating system having a plurality of outletsdisposed in the respective chambers, and a control and monitoringsystem.

One problem with the prior art fire fighting trainer is that there is noway to determine which ones of the extinguishment agents are being usedby the fire fighters simultaneously with the testing of the firefighters.

Another problem is that the trainer is not adapted to simulate aspreading fire. In addition, the commercial gas burners used to producethe flames allow an unacceptable build up of unburned gas when theflames are suppressed with water application.

A third problem is inefficiency of production and distribution of thesimulated smoke that is used for safety and to eliminate pollutants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, a fire fighting trainer is provided.This trainer comprises a plurality of chambers having respective floorswith gratings and with spaces below the gratings and having contentsincluding items chosen from a group of items including furniture andfixtures and equipment and disposed on the gratings, a smoke generatingsystem having plurality of outlets disposed in the respective chambers,a flame generating system having one or more single-element ormulti-element burner units with elements and outlets disposed in therespective spaces of the chambers, and a sensing and control systemhaving a plurality of multi-sensor units disposed in the shares of therespective chambers under the respective elements and each multi-sensorunit connecting to a main control panel.

By using the sensing system having a plurality of sensors disposed inthe respective chambers and connecting to control panel, the problem ofnot being able to determine which ones of the materials are being usedby the fire fighters simultaneously with the testing of the firefighters is avoided. By using floors with spaces and gratings andmulti-element burner units in the spaces, the problem of not being ableto simulate a spreading fire is avoided.

By using the single-element and multi-element burners, the problem ofbuild up of unburned gas within the training area is avoided. By usingthe particular smoke generation system described herein the problem ofinefficiency of production and distribution of smoke is avoided.

The foregoing and other objects, features and the advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following description of thepreferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a fire fighting trainer according tothe present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram corresponding to a portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 10 is a section view as taken along the line 10--10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the burnerunit portion of FIG. 2;

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the burner unit portion of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of an alternate embodiment of theburner unit FIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 14 is a representation of a first step of a spreading fire ofcontents of the chamber of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a representation of a second step of the spreading fire ofFIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a representation of a third step of the spreading fire ofFIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is an alternate embodiment of a smoke generator corresponding tothe smoke generator of FIG. 4;

FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of the smoke generator of FIG. 17and its connecting units;

FIG. 19 is an alternate embodiment of the multi-sensor unit of FIG. 7;and

FIG. 20 is a section view of a chamber having a plurality of themulti-sensor units of FIG. 19.

DESCRIPTION PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown in FIG. 1, a fire fighting trainer 10 is provided. Trainer 10includes a plurality of chambers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, which areseparate chambers in a building structure, and which contain respectivecontents 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, that are chosen from a group of itemsof furniture and fixtures and equipment, which are fireplace structuresmade of fireproof materials, such as steel, in the shape of therepresented combustible material or location of the represented fire.Although FIG. 1 shows six chambers, any number of chambers, includingone chamber, could be included in a given trainer.

For example, chambers 12, 14 have representations 24,26 of items such aswood items, that require water to extinguish a fire therein. Chambers16, 18 have representations 28,30 of items, such as electrical equipmentitems, that require dry powder or inert gas to extinguish a firetherein. Chambers 20, 22 have representations 32, 34 of items, such ascertain liquid fuel items, that require a foam or water or dry powder toextinguish a fire therein.

Trainer 10 also has a propane gas burner system 36, which has a propanegas inlet pressure controller 37, and which has distribution piping 38and 40. Trainer 10 also has a smoke generating system 42, which has aleft smoke generator 44, a right smoke generator 46, and smoke conduit48 and smoke conduit 50. Systems 36 and 42 generate flames and smokewithin selected ones of, or all of, the chambers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22.

Trainer 10 also has a sensing and control system 52, which has a controlpanel 54. Trainer 10 includes water sensors 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, andincludes foam sensors 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, and includes powdersensors 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, and includes temperature sensors 81, 83,85, 87, 89, 91, each of which are disposed in respective chambers 12,14, 16, 18, 20, 22.

The water sensors, and foam sensors, and powder sensor may be separatefrom each other, or may be part of a combined or multi agent detector 69which will be described herein.

Propane distribution pipe 38 has propane gas lines 92, 94, 96, whichconnect to respective chambers 12, 14, 16. Propane distribution pipe 40has propane gas lines 98, 100, 102, which connect to respective chambers18, 20, 22.

Gas lines 92, 94, 96 connect to respective burners 104, 106, 108, whichare disposed inside respective chambers 12, 14, 16. Gas lines 98, 100,102 connect to respective burners 110, 111, 112, which are disposedinside respective chambers 18, 20, 22.

Burners 104, 106, 108 which are shown near the bottom of FIG. 1 haverespective control units 114, 116, 118. Burners 110, 111, 112 which areshown near the top of FIG. 1 have respective control units 120, 122,124.

Control units 114, 116, 118 have respective electrical signal and powerconductors 126, 128, 130, which connect to panel 54. Control units 120,122, 124 have respective electrical signal and power conductors 132,134, 136, which connect to panel 54.

Smoke conduit 48 has smoke lines 138, 140, 142, which connect torespective chambers 12, 14, 16. Smoke conduit 50 has smoke lines 144,146, 148, which connect to respective chambers 18, 20, 22.

Chambers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 have respective doors 150, 152, 154,156, 158, 160.

Control panel 54 has cables 162, 164, 166, which go to respectivechambers 12, 14, 16. Control panel 54 also has cables 168, 170, 172,which go to respective chambers 18, 20, 22. Each of the cables 162, 164,166, 168, 170, 172 has several conductors. For example, cable 162 hasseveral conductors,including a first conductor connecting to watersensor 56, a second conductor connecting to foam sensor 68, a thirdconductor connecting to powder sensor 80, and a fourth conductorconnecting to temperature sensor 81.

Each of the chambers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, stores or contains adifferent item or items, so that each chamber has a different type offire, thereby requiring a different medium to put out the fire in eachchamber. The water sensor 56, foam sensor 68, and powder sensor 80 inchamber 12 detects three different extinguishing materials or mediums oragents, which are reported to the control panel 54. Control panel 54 canbe operated to regulate the amount of fire and smoke in typical chamber12, or to shut off the fire and smoke in chamber 12. Control panel 54can also be used to record the results of the actions of the trainees inchamber 12. Some items in the chambers require two or more combinationextinguishing agents, such as water and foam, to extinguish the fire.

A principal feature of the trainer is the design of the burners used togenerate flame for the training exercises. Commercial burners, which aredesigned for efficient heating of materials in industrial processes, arecompletely unsuitable for use in a fire fighting trainer. The trainerrequires a burner that can produce a realistic fire-type flame safelyand reliably even when inundated with water or foam or otherextinguishing agent.

In FIG. 2, burner 104 is shown. Burner 104 is similar in construction toburners 106, 108, 110, 111, 112. Burner 104 is suitable to simulate arelatively small fire. As explained hereafter, an alternate burner canbe used for simulating a relatively large, spreading fire.

In FIG. 3, burner control assembly 114 is shown. Burner control assembly114 is similar in construction to burner control assemblies 116, 118,120, 122, 124. Burner control assembly 114 includes a supply gas inlet186, pilot gas components 188, main gas components 190, an air inletfilter 192, and one or more motor controlled gas valves 194. Burnercontrol assembly also includes a pilot blower 196, a flame safeguardunit 198, and an ignition transformer unit 200.

In FIG. 3, gas enters supply line 92. A solenoid-operated shutoff valve175 in line 92 controls the flow of gas to the pilot gas line 177 and tothe main gas line 176. The pilot system includes components 188, blower196 and pilot gas/air mixture line 178 to deliver a proper mixture ofpropane and air to the burner head 174. The main gas system includessupply line 92, components 190, one or more gas flow control valves 194,and one or more main lines 176 to deliver propane gas to one or moreburner elements 180.

Burner head member 174 mounts within or below the fireplace structure,or the like. The shape and configuration and materials of burner head174 are such as to provide for reliable operation of pilot and mainflames when subject to any of the various extinguishing agents.

Pilot gas components 188 include a pressure regulator, a pilot gasmetering valve, and a solenoid-operated pilot gas valve; The flamesafeguard or pilot monitor unit 198 is an automatic self-check unit thatcontinuously monitors the pilot flame and if the pilot flame is lost forany reason, the flame safeguard unit shuts off all gas flow to theburner. Main gas components 190 include a pressure regulator, safetysolenoid valve that is controlled by the flame safeguard unit, and asolenoid-operated main gas valve.

Burner element 180 is enclosed in a fireplace (not shown), which isdisposed behind real or simulated items, such as electrical orelectronic consoles, or below a mattress or the like, or behind a trashcan or a kitchen stove, or a sofa or the like. One or more elements maybe utilized for each burner.

In FIG. 2, burner element 180 contains drilled holes configured tosatisfy a flame location. One or more elements may be utilized. Theholes are about one-quarter inch in size, or other size as required, andserve as gas nozzles. When main gas is introduced to element 180, it isignited by the pilot and produces a flame appearance as desired. Coverplates 182, 184 prevent materials from falling into the holes in element180.

A second principal feature of the trainer is the smoke generator 44.Unlike previous smoke generators, this smoke generator must produce alarge volume of simulated smoke, and distribute is to various trainingcompartments or chambers, and produce and distribute the smokeefficiently with little or no residue or pollutants.

In FIG. 4, smoke generator 44 is shown. Smoke generator 44 is similar inconstruction to smoke generator 46. Smoke generator 44 includes an airblower 202, an air heater 204, a propane line 206, and an enclosure 208.Smoke generator 44 also includes a smoke reservoir 210, which has a cap212, a sight glass 214, and a level switch 216. Fluid reservoir 210 hasa line with a metering valve 218 and a solenoid valve 220. Air heater204 is connected by a line with a temperature monitor 222 to an injectornozzle 224. Injector nozzle 224 has an outlet line 226. In FIG. 5,outlet line 226 connects to conduits 48 and 50.

Conduit 48 is supplied usually by smoke generator 44. Conduit 50 issupplied usually by smoke generator 46. Additional valves (not shown) inconduits 48 and 50 are provided to use such smoke supply arrangement, orto change such smoke supply arrangement as desired. Conduit 48 hassolenoid valves 228, 230, 232, which connect to respective smoke lines138, 140, 142 to respective chambers 12, 14, 16. Excess air blowers 234,236, 238, which add cooling air to the respective smoke distributionlines, 138, 140, 142 are also provided. Panel 54 controls valves 228,230, 232 and controls blowers 234, 236, 238.

Injector nozzle 224 is used to inject a fine mist of smoke fluid ofselected content into a hot air stream produced by air heater 204. Highvelocity air in injector nozzle 224 vaporizes the smoke fluid. With theadded cooling air produced by the excess air blowers sufficientsimulated smoke is delivered to the chambers in this way.

Outlets of smoke lines 138, 140, 142, 144,146, 148, which are disposedinside respective chambers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, connect to respectivefireplaces (not shown), which are in the form of selected fixtures,furniture or equipment, as desired. Typical burner element 180 andtypical smoke line 138 connect to the same fireplace, in order tosimulate a fire at the fireplace. The fireplace is defined to mean acommon assembly area for training in extinguishment of a particularfire, and not a residential type of fireplace. Smoke generator 44produces simulated smoke to chambers 12, 14, 16. Smoke generator 46produces simulated smoke to chambers 18, 20, 22. Shutoff valves (notshown) in conduits 48 and 50 can redistribute smoke to chambers asdesired.

The smoke generating system 42 is necessary because the propane gassystem 36 produces virtually no smoke. The propane in burners 104, 106,108, 110, 112, 114 is burned without additional combustion air toproduce a large, yellow-orange flame. The burners specifically usepropane gas to achieve realistic flame appearance and response to agentapplication.

A third principal feature of the trainer is the combined agent, ormulti-agent detector. Previous detectors, each designed to detect oneextinguishing agent, were unable to distinguish among agents applied. Awater sensor in a funnel also detected foam, and a carbon dioxide sensoralso detected water. By combining two or more sensors into a singledetector using mechanical separators and programming logic as describedherein, the detector senses each extinguishing agent unambiguously.

Each of the chambers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 has a different type offire, and has a respective detector assembly, which can sense and canreport to control panel 54, if water, foam, powder, or inert gas isbeing applied to the fire. If the correct application is made, the fireis extinguished. The control panel 54 is operated to control each of theburners 104, 106, 108, 110, 111, 112, which are located in respectivechambers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, in accordance with the intensity of thefire therein.

The operator of the control panel 54 can know which of the materials,such as water, foam, or powder, is being used in each chamber by thefire fighters, simultaneously with the testing of the fire fighters. Inthis way, the operator can regulate the intensities of the fires in thechambers, or can shut off the fires and smoke inflow, if necessary, byregulating the smoke generating system 42 and the fire generating orsystem 36 from the control panel 54. The control system 52 monitorsconditions within the trainer and is used to automatically shut thetrainer down if safety is jeopardized. Control panel 54 can have acomputer, in order to provide a scenario in the testing program. A menuof selections can be used in the software of the computer. The traineris under the control of the instructor and exercises can be repeated orchanged at the control panel.

In FIG. 6, water sensor 56 is shown. Sensor 56 is similar inconstruction to sensors 58, 60, 62, 64, 66. Water sensor 56 includes acollection funnel 246, a screen 248, an opening 250, and a magnetostrictive or other fluid sensor unit 252, which has a face 254 thatprotrudes into a pipe 256.

Sensor unit 252 is located in the neck of the collection funnel pipe256. Funnel 246 is shaped as required to fit within or below or behindan item, such as a fixture or a fireplace structure or grating or thelike. Sensor unit 252 is located at the water drain of pipe 256, therebypreventing the formation of puddles or the buildup of material on theface 254 of unit 252.

In FIG. 7, a multi-agent detector generally indicated at 68, is shownwhich is an alternative from that shown in FIG. 6. Detector 68 iscapable of detecting and distinguishing between water, foam and powder.Detector 68 includes a collection funnel 258, an upper powder sensorunit 260, an infrared source 261, an infrared detector 262, and a foamand water separator 264. Detector 68 also includes an upper shield 266,a magnetostrictive, or other proximity type, water sensor 268, a waterexhaust opening 270, and a foam exhaust chute 272. Detector 68 also hasa lower through beam foam sensor unit 274 and a lower shield 276.

Detector 68 separates the foam from the water, both of which enterthrough funnel 258. Funnel 258 is shaped to fit below or behind an item,such as a fixture or fireplace structure or grating. Separator 264separates the water from the foam. Water passes to outlet 270. Foampasses to foam chute 372. Foam sensor unit 274 is a commerciallyavailable unit. Water sensor unit 268 and foam sensor unit 274 respondto their particular agent or material.

Sensor unit 274 has a sonic beam the breaking of which causes a contactclosure upon passage of foam, thereby detecting the presence of foam asthe extinguishing agent.

Sensor 68 functions as described for the foam sensor portion of thecombined agent detector, and is used where only foam detection isrequired. Sensor 68 is identical to sensors 70, 72, 74, 76 and 78.

In FIG. 8, a powder sensor 80 is shown. Powder sensor 80 is identical inconstruction to powder sensors 82, 84, 86, 88, 90. Powder sensor 80includes a collection funnel 278, an infrared source 280, a pair ofshields 282, and a detector 284. In this figure the sensor is shown inan alternate position. Sensor unit source 280 and detector 284 detectpowder by detecting the powder cloud that breaks the light beam passingtherebetween. Source 280 and detector 284 detect a powder cloud but donot detect, or see, water or foam. The assembly of source 280 anddetector 284 is a commercially available item. Funnel 278 is shaped tofit below or behind burner 104, or a fixture, or the like.

Source 280 and detector 284 have an infrared light beam, the breaking ofwhich by a powder cloud, signals the presence of powder as theextinguishing agent.

Not shown is a carbon dioxide sensor, which consists of a thermocouple,or other temperature measuring device that measures the sudden decreasein temperature at the fire that is the result of the cooling effect ofthe expanding carbon dioxide gas as it is released from its extinguishercylinder.

Two or more of these sensors are combined where required for each typeof fire. For example, water and foam and powder sensors are combined foruse in an oil spill fire simulation; water and powder and carbon dioxidesensors are combined for use in an electrical panel fire. In addition tothe mechanical separation feature described above, the trainer's controlsystem uses control logic to distinguish among agents. For example, thecarbon dioxide sensor could react to water or carbon dioxide, but if thewater sensor does not detect water, the system logic concludes thatcarbon dioxide is being applied.

In FIG. 9 and 10, the temperature sensor 81 is shown. Temperature sensor81 is identical in construction to sensors 83, 85, 87, 89, 91.Temperature sensor 81 includes a blackened copper sphere 286, a globetemperature thermocouple 288, a dry-bulb temperature thermocouple 290, abaffle 292, and a wet bulb temperature thermocouple 294. Temperaturesensor 81 also includes a liquid reservoir 296, which has a wick 298 anda level switch 300. Temperature sensor 81 also has a terminal board 302and a housing 304, which has louvers 306 and a slot 308.

Temperature sensor 81 is installed in chamber 12 to insure thattemperature levels never reach a dangerous level for trainees andinstructors and other users. Readings are transmitted to control panel54, where action is taken to reduce the temperature in the chamber, orto close the smoke and gas lines to the chamber. The temperature sensor81 is preferably located near the ceiling of chamber 12.

The trainer 10 also contains a propane gas detection system, which isnot shown on FIG. 1. The gas detection system consists of combustiblegas analyzers, sample points located throughout the trainer where gasbuild ups could occur, and a draw sample system that utilizes a vacuumto draw air samples from each sample point to the correspondinganalyzer. If an unacceptable level of propane is detected anywhere inthe trainer, the control system shuts down all burners and smokegeneration, and begins ventilation of the trainer.

As shown in FIG. 11, a second embodiment of burner unit 310 is provided.Burner 310 is similar to burner 104 of FIGS. 2 and 3, except that burner310 is a multi-element burner unit and burner unit 104 is a singleelement burner unit.

Parts of burner 310 in FIG. 11 which are the same as corresponding partsof burner 104 in FIGS. 2 and 3, have the same numerals but with asubscript "a" added thereto.

Burner 310 connects to a burner control or enclosure 312, which has acontrol cable 314, that connects to a control panel 54a. Burner control312 has a pilot gas line 316, a center main gas line 318, a left maingas line 320, a right main gas line 322, and an electrical conduit 324,all of which connect to burner 310. Burner 310 also has a center burnerelement 326, a left burner element 328, and a right burner element 330.

Chamber 12a has a peripheral wall 332 and a recessed floor slab 334.Wall 332 supports a floor grating 336 on which boxes 338, 340, 342 aresupported. These boxes are made of fireproof material to resembleordinary combustible shipping crates. Boxes 338, 340, 342, which arespaced are spaced near enough, so that a succeeding box appears to beheated by the flame of a preceding box, and so that a simulatedspreading fire can be created. Grating 336 and slab 334 have a space 344disposed therebetween.

The main gas lines 318,320,322 have respective control portions (notshown), which are disposed inside enclosure 312, and which are similarto corresponding parts of main gas line 176 of burner control 114 ofFIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 12, which is a side elevation view of burner 310, ahorizontal configuration is provided. In this view, one burner elementonly is shown. Burner 310 includes a head member 346, which has a pilotchamber 348. Pilot gas line 316 includes a pilot nozzle 350 and a sparkignitor 352. Burner 310 also has an air entrainment plenum 354, whichsurrounds nozzle 350.

Gas lines 318, 320, 322 have respective main gas ports 356, whichconnect to elements 326, 328, 330. Pilot chamber 346 has pilot boostports 358, which connect to gas lines 318, 320, 322, in order toincrease the size of the pilot flame. Head member 346 has a pilot flamedeflector 360. Elements 326,328,330 have respective gas distributionholes 362. The pilot monitor's flame rod 364 has its electrode 365 inthe pilot flame path.

As shown in FIG. 13, another embodiment or burner 310b is provided. FIG.13 shows a vertical configuration of burner 310b and shows one burnerelement only of a total of four, which are oriented 90 degrees apart.

Parts of burner 310b, which are similar to corresponding parts of burner310 of FIG. 12, have the same numerals, but with a subscript "b" addedthereto.

Burner 310b includes a head member 346b, with a pilot chamber 348b.Burner 310b also includes a plenum 354b, main gas ports 356b, pilotboost ports 358b, a flame deflector 360b, distribution holes 362b, and aflame rod 364b.

The pilot gas/air mixture from burner control enclosure 312 isintroduced into the pilot chamber 348 via the pilot nozzle 350 where itis ignited, using, in this embodiment, a rear-mounted spark ignitor 352,which provides spark within the nozzle igniting the gas/air mixturebefore it exits the nozzle for pilot ignition reliability. Once ignited,pilot flame stability during extinguishing agent application is enhancedby additional air introduced into the pilot chamber 348 through the airentrainment plenum 354 surrounding the nozzle 350. The pilot flame ismonitored by a commercial pilot monitor utilizing a flame rod 364 toconfirm pilot flame. This is done by establishing an electric currentflow between the burner head 346, and the insulated flame rod electrode365, through the ionized gas of the pilot flame. This is necessary toensure that there is a reliable pilot flame before main gas flow isbegun.

When main gas flow to the burner head is begun, undiluted gas isintroduced at the main gas inlets 318, 320,322, through the burner maingas ports 356, to the burner elements 358. A small amount of undilutedgas is directed through the pilot boost ports 358 into the pilot chamber348 to increase the size of the pilot flame over the burner elements326,328,330 to ignite the undiluted main gas emitted through the burnerelement gas distribution holes 362. The configuration of the pilot flamedeflector 360 and the location and shape of the burner main gas ports356 and pilot boost ports 358 assures ignition of main gas by the pilotflame. In the case of the vertical orientation of the multi-elementburner shown in FIG. 13, four individual pilot flame expansion channels357b, are provided to direct pilot flame from the central pilot chamber348b to each of the four flame elements 326b. In addition, the offsetinternal path of the main gas ports 356 prevents water or foam that mayhave entered a burner element 326,328,330 through its gas distributionholes 362 when main gas flow is off from flowing back up the gas pipingsystem. There is a separate main gas inlet line 318,320,322 for eachmain gas port 356 in the burner head 346.

FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 show the effect achieved with the multiple-elementburner. In FIG. 14, pilot flame has been confirmed, and gas flow isstarted to burner element 328 at one side of the storage area mockup338, 340, 342 representing the start of the fire. In FIG. 15, gas flowis started to the 16 burner element 326 as gas flow to the element 328approaches maximum. I FIG. 16, gas flow is started to the burner element330, as the elements 326, 328 are at high fire. The result is the effectof a fire starting, spreading and growing until the entire storage areamockup 338, 340, 342 is engulfed in flames.

In operations, the burner control enclosure 312 receives control signalsfrom the operator's console or panel 54a. The enclosure 312 begins flowof a proper pilot gas/air mixture to the pilot chamber 348 of the burnerhead 346. This mixture is ignited by a spark ignitor 352 located so asto produce a spark within the pilot nozzle 350. The pilot flame isignited before the fuel/air mixture exits the nozzle 350, eliminatingunstable ignition.

Pilot stability is further enhanced by air entrainment. Additional airis provided to a plenum 354 at the rear of the pilot chamber 348. Thisair surrounds the nozzle 350 and pilot flame providing availablecombustion air to the pilot flame should changes in environmentalconditions at the burner require changes in the fuel/air ratio. Thepilot flame must be confirmed before main gas flow is begun. The burnersystem utilizes a conventional pilot monitor with a flame rod 364 whichprovides an interlock against starting main gas flow if there is nopilot flame.

With confirmation of pilot, main flame, which is the large yellow-orangeflame associated with the training exercise, may be started. Undilutedmain gas flow is now begun from the enclosure 312 through the main gasports 356 of the burner head 346 to the burner elements 326,328,330 areconnected to the burner head 346 so as to assure ignition for theundiluted main gas from the pilot flame. Pilot boost ports 358 areprovided within the burner head 346 to increase the size of the pilotflame to assure that adequate pilot flame is available for main flameignition during the extreme changes in environmental conditions at theburner 310 that occurring application of extinguishing agents to thetraining fire.

Undiluted main gas flow to each burner element 326,328,330 issequentially controlled to allow the training fire to start at one pointunder the grated floor 336 and then grow in height and spread across thefire area until a full fire condition is reached.

Because of the design of the gas burner 310, water or other agentapplied to the fire by trainees will not extinguish the flames, althoughthe flames will be suppressed and cooled as in a real fire. The controlpanel 54, which is operated by the operator or instructor is used tobegin sequentially reducing, and then stopping main gas flow to theburner elements 326,328,330 causing the flame to recede and extinguish.

As shown in FIG. 17, an alternate embodiment or smoke generator 366 isprovided, corresponding to smoke generator 44 of FIG. 4.

Parts of smoke generator 366, which are similar to corresponding partsof smoke generator 44, have the same numerals but with a subscript "c"added thereto.

The smoke generator's components are contained within an enclosure 368that is weatherproof and that provides for transportability. The volumeand durability of the smoke-like fog result from the use of ahigh-efficiency propane air heater 204a which is fed by a high-flowcombustion air blower 202c, heating the air to 1000° F.

The smoke generator is designed to use a very high qualitytriarylphosphate fluid with a flame--retardant characteristic that hasbeen specifically tested for non-toxicity as a fluid and as smoke, andfor chemical integrity at high temperature. This fluid is preferred.Other fluids may break down at high temperatures into toxic or flammablecomponents, or may simply not produce good smoke. The preferred fluid isstored in a tank 210c is and metered into the hot air stream at theinjection nozzle 224c where it is atomized into extremely smalldroplets, which will give the smoke its characteristic durability.

A balanced distribution manifold 370 provides up to four separatedistribution lines each with its own control valve 372 for selecting anyor all lines. An excess air blower 374 dilutes the hot air/fluid mistwhich is clear cooling it to below 200° F. and now causing it to appearas a dense smoke-like fog. This principle feature allows the smoke to bedistributed as a stable fog at cool temperatures rather than as anunstable hot mist in which much more of the droplets settle out withinthe distribution piping and on training room walls as with previoussmoke generator designs. Piping is connected to the smoke outlet ports376, 378, 380, 382 to distribute the smoke-like fog to several trainingcompartments or to specific mock-up structures, such as of electricaldevices that would produce smoke if on fire. Adjustable baffles 384 areprovided at each port to limit smoke out put for that port if needed.

Other components include the propane control valves and regulator 386the propane flow needle valve 388, which is used to set operatingtemperature, the air temperature monitor 390, the fluid metering valve218c, which sets fluid flow, the fluid solenoid valve 220c, which turnsfluid flow, and therefore smoke, on and off, and the electrical panel392, which contains the electronics for ignition and monitoring of theheater flame, and air temperature monitoring, and is the connectionpoint for wiring and cables to the system control panel or console.

FIG. 18 illustrates an alternate configuration of a trainer 10c with asmoke generator 366. Control signal wires 167c convey signal informationfrom the control panel 54c to start and run the smoke generator 366.Smoke distribution piping 138c, 140c, 142c, 148c distributes the smoketo four training chambers 12c, 14c, 16c, 22c, ways the smoke is used. Inchamber 14c, smoke is distributed among is distributed 34 amongfireproof mockups of wooden crates to simulate a Class A fire (drycombustible material). Smoke in chamber 22c is distributed under agrated floor along with a large volume of flame to simulate a Class Bfire (burning liquid fuel) in a ship's bilge. A small amount of smoke inchamber 16c is distributed to a fireproof mockup of an electrical panelto simulate a Class C (electrical) fire. Smoke in chamber 22c isdistributed throughout the compartment for obscuration training withoutfire.

As shown in FIG. 19, a second embodiment or multi-sensor unit 400 isprovided, which corresponds to multi-sensor unit 68 of FIG. 7.

Parts of unit 400 similar to corresponding parts of unit 68 of FIG. 7have the same numerals but with a subscript "d" added thereto.

FIG. 19 shows the alternate embodiment of a multi-sensor unit 400. Themajor components include the agent collection funnel 258d, which issized to meet the coverage requirements of the particular fire it willbe used with, the water/foam separator 264d, which is attached to thebottom of the funnel and contains a screen that separates foam fromwater if both are used and shunts the foam to a foam detector trough onthe side while allowing the water to fall straight through, the watersensor 268d, which is a magnetostrictive cell or other proximity devicemounted within the water drain line at the bottom of the assembly, andprovides an electronic signal when water passes through it, a foamsensor 274d, which is an ultrasonic sender/receiver, that will besensitive to foam interrupting the signal path, mounted in the foamdetector trough and provides an electronic signal when foam passesthrough it, and a powder sensor 260d, which is an infraredsensor/receiver unit mounted on the top rim of the funnel, and providesan electronic signal whe powder between the sensor probes. Powder sensor260d has two arms 401, 403 which are cantilevered from a rim 405 offunnel 258d.

FIG. 20 shows an alternate chamber configuration, in this case fortraining for a fire located in the bilge area of a commercial or navalvessel. The major components in the chamber are the multi-sensor units400, 402 that are installed in the space 407 below a grated metal deck403, under the burner elements 404, 406 that produce the flames for thetraining fire. Mounted on the grated deck are mockup structures 410 ofbilge compartment components such as pumps, valves, piping, etc.

When extinguishing agents are applied from a hose 412 to the flames bythe trainees, the agents fall through the grated metal deck where theyare collected and identified by the multiple-agent detectors which thenprovide electronic signals which convey a precise pattern of agentapplication to the control panel 54d so that the operator or instructorcan initiate an adjustment to gas flow to the burners to effectextinguishment or other response to the fire.

The advantages of trainer 10 are indicated hereafter.

1. The sensing and control system 52 determines the material, such aswater or foam or powder, which is being used by the fire fighters ineach chamber, and reports such information to the control panel 54 atthe same time; and the amount of flames and smoke in any chamber can bereset immediately, for better safety and teaching.

2. The sensing and control system 52 receives the information about thematerial used in each chamber for extinguishing the fire whereby theinformation can be recorded in a report on the test of the firefighters.

3. The items 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, which are stored in respectivechambers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 can be house items, such as respectiveliving room items, bedroom items, kitchen items, cellar items, atticitems and office items, or can be industrial items, such as respectivechemical storage items, electronic parts items, electronic consoleitems, laboratory items, office items and file room items, or can berestaurant or hotel items, so that trainer 10 provides a test ground fordifferent situations.

4. In a test of fire fighters, some of the chambers can be excluded orshut down, depending on the size of the test, or the selection ofchambers desired, for better operating efficiency.

Advantages of the alternate embodiments of the trainer 10 are indicatedhereafter.

1. Burner 310 operates effectively, when directly exposed toextinguishing water, foam, and powder, because the pilot flame, pilotignites 352, flame rod 364 and main gas ports 356 are protected as shownin FIG. 12.

2. The appearance of a spreading fire is simulated by multiple main gasports 356 and multiple burner elements 326,328,330 as shown in FIGS. 11and 12.

3. Vertically oriented burner 310, as shown in FIG. 12, is very suitablefor large, open area fires, such as bilge or deck fires.

4. Horizontally oriented burner 310b, as shown in FIG. 13, is verysuitable for relatively smaller, single burner fires, such as trash can,mattress, or electrical panel fires.

5. Burner elements 326,328,330 avoids a hazardous gas build up conditionin a chamber, and minimizes the escape of unburned gas therefrom,because the elements 326, 328, 330 are located in a well ventilated openspace 344 under the grating 336 of the chamber, as shown in FIG. 11.

6. Smoke generator 366 is capable of producing relatively large amountsof smoke-like fog, which is nontoxic, from a relatively small-size typeof smoke generator, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 17.

7. Smoke generator 366 has an internal header 370, which permitsrelatively quicker and easier distribution to individual lines fromoutlets 376, 378,380, 382 to respective chamber smoke lines 138, 140,142, 148, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 17.

8. Multi-sensor unit 400 has a rim 405 with cantilevered arms 401, 403,which support transmitter and receiver parts of powder sensor 260d, sothat a powder cloud located somewhat above the unit 400 can be sensedeffectively, as well as a powder cloud located within funnel 258d.

While the invention has been described in its preferred embodiment, itis to be understood that the words which have been used are words ofdescription rather than limitation and that changes may be made withinthe purview of the appended claims without departing from the true scopeand spirit of the invention in its broader aspects.

We claim:
 1. A fire fighting trainer comprising:one or more chambershaving respective contents including items chosen from a group of itemsincluding furniture and fixtures and equipment; a smoke generating meanshaving a plurality of outlets disposed in the respective chambers; aflame generating means having a plurality of outlets disposed in therespective chambers; a sensing and control means having a plurality ofsensors and each said sensor is capable of sensing and reporting aparticular extinguishing agent, recording and control means forcontrolling the operation of the trainer and recording the results,where said sensing means includes a foam sensor comprising a collectionfunnel for receiving a portion of the extinguishing agent; a foam chuteconnected to the collection funnel; a separation means for separatingout at least some foam from the portion of extinguishing medium anddirecting such foam to the foam chute; a sonic beam source and detectormounted inside the foam chute for sensing the presence of foam in thechute.
 2. The trainer as defined in claim 1 wherein the portion ofextinguishing medium contains water and foam and the collection funnelcontains a screen for separating the foam from the water.